KQED's Forum Trump and Putin Meet in Alaska as Russia Continues to Attack Ukraine
4 snips
Aug 18, 2025 
Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and director at Stanford's Freeman Spogli Institute, joins Edward Fishman, global energy policy expert and Columbia adjunct professor. They delve into Trump's controversial meeting with Putin in Alaska, discussing potential ceasefire ideas like 'land swaps.' The conversation highlights Ukraine's exclusion from talks, ongoing military tensions, and the shifting public sentiment in Ukraine amid war fatigue. They also explore the challenges facing U.S.-Russia relations and the implications for international diplomacy.
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Ukrainians Felt Humiliated
- Anna Nemtsova recounts wounded Ukrainian soldiers' anguish at seeing Trump shake Putin's hand.
- She says many Ukrainians feel their identity and fate were being decided without them.
Summit Lacked Substance
- Michael McFaul calls the Alaska summit a "complete disaster" because it showed pomp for Putin and no concrete deliverables.
- He argues Trump gave away negotiating leverage and adopted Putin's positions without securing concessions.
Sanctions Momentum Stalled
- Edward Fishman highlights that the Trump administration has not imposed new sanctions on Russia since January 20.
- He warns that pausing sanctions relaxes pressure and helps Russia evade existing measures.
